Health Care in Japan
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137)
Mon 2008/05/26 14:32
"Kenko Shindan" [健康診断[けんこうしんだん]] is the word for "Health Checkup" and I've been having them since my times at Amazon. Many companies in Japan provide annual health checkups for employees. Depending on what your company decides to pay, some of the checkups range from being really useless to really thorough.
I recently had mine and this article talks about whats involved but just before I continue - this health checkup is nothing to do with the other form of health care.
The stuff you see here is a pack of instructions and containers that I received before the day of the checkup.
I recently had mine and this article talks about whats involved but just before I continue - this health checkup is nothing to do with the other form of health care.
The stuff you see here is a pack of instructions and containers that I received before the day of the checkup.
In previous health checkups, a urine sample was taken at the facility but this time they asked for me to prepare the sample and take it along.
They provide a little plastic container for you to pee in and a syringe thingy for you to transfer the pee to a container which they ask you to keep in your refrigerator...
Check the illustration of the fountain boy.
They provide a little plastic container for you to pee in and a syringe thingy for you to transfer the pee to a container which they ask you to keep in your refrigerator...
Check the illustration of the fountain boy.
And here is the fun part - they want a sample of poo too. Here they show you how to poo depending on whether you have a Japanese or western style toilet. They ask you to stick some tissue as shown in the diagram so that your friend does not slide into the water.
And this is how you should extract the poo - does it not look like a peanut? Next time you eat peanuts please think of this.
And the image on the right shows the catch of the day - does it not look like curry, peanut butter, nutella, laksa paste?
Was the first time in life that I poked about with my own poo. Poo at arms length is not pleasant and the vomiting noises quickly follow. Luckily I didn't have anything spicy the night before or the experience would have been much more interesting.
And the image on the right shows the catch of the day - does it not look like curry, peanut butter, nutella, laksa paste?
Was the first time in life that I poked about with my own poo. Poo at arms length is not pleasant and the vomiting noises quickly follow. Luckily I didn't have anything spicy the night before or the experience would have been much more interesting.
They provide two containers as they want poo taken from different days. They ask that you keep these in the refrigerator too. Just make sure your other family members dont unconsciously mistake your poo for peanut butter and spread it on their toast.
And this their mascot Mr Poo egging you on as you fight with the whiff of poo embracing your soul.
There are various words for poo in Japanese. The proper term is "Ben" or "Dai Ben" and colloquial words are "Unko" or "Unchi."
When you are served something bad at a restaurant, you can say "Unko Kusai!" or "Smells like shit!"
There are various words for poo in Japanese. The proper term is "Ben" or "Dai Ben" and colloquial words are "Unko" or "Unchi."
When you are served something bad at a restaurant, you can say "Unko Kusai!" or "Smells like shit!"
Bag O poo n peee packed and ready to head out.
On the way to the hospital. A man suddenly looks up as I pass and wonders what the smell is.
At the hospital. I hand in my shit and am asked to get changed for the morning tests.
Am given a locker and some sort of pajamas to change into. Seeing a whole floor of folk walking around in these felt like watching The Island (which is a great film).
They provide a locker within the locker too for those carrying around stuff that you dont want others to have or see - like this for example.
A sheet showing what I had checked.
Was my first time to try Barium and was an interesting experience. Barium is a soft silvery metallic alkaline earth metal and is used for all sorts of applications including poisoning rats and making bricks.
I was asked to drink a glass of Barium where I was then stuck on a rotating bed which I had to grab onto with my arms to prevent me falling off. At the same time, a camera is taking images of the Barium inside my stomach which you can see at the Japanese wikipedia entry for Barium. Apparently, the Japanese have a high rate of stomach/intestinal cancer which is why these Barium stomach scans are common for those who are older than 35.
- Height/Weight
- Eye sight
- Listening
- Blood Pressure
- Various blood tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- Barium stomach scan
- 1x1 time with a doctor
Was my first time to try Barium and was an interesting experience. Barium is a soft silvery metallic alkaline earth metal and is used for all sorts of applications including poisoning rats and making bricks.
I was asked to drink a glass of Barium where I was then stuck on a rotating bed which I had to grab onto with my arms to prevent me falling off. At the same time, a camera is taking images of the Barium inside my stomach which you can see at the Japanese wikipedia entry for Barium. Apparently, the Japanese have a high rate of stomach/intestinal cancer which is why these Barium stomach scans are common for those who are older than 35.
After drinking the Barium, a huge amount of gas is produced in the stomach which I was told to keep inside - one burp would mean another glass of Barium. Just the thought of that was enough motivation for me to hold in the burps.
After the scans, I went to the changing room and started to burp out loud like I've never burped before^^;
The Barium starts to solidify and if not expelled from the body soon, it gets harder and in worst cases has to be cut open. The nurse gives me some medicine to give me the runs which forces the Barium out with the regular poo. For three days I had completely white poo! And its heavy too - needed a few flushes to get rid of it. It kinda resembles plaster cast.
This is the waiting room where the nurse directed me to drink the medicine.
After the scans, I went to the changing room and started to burp out loud like I've never burped before^^;
The Barium starts to solidify and if not expelled from the body soon, it gets harder and in worst cases has to be cut open. The nurse gives me some medicine to give me the runs which forces the Barium out with the regular poo. For three days I had completely white poo! And its heavy too - needed a few flushes to get rid of it. It kinda resembles plaster cast.
This is the waiting room where the nurse directed me to drink the medicine.
Just over an hour later and all the tests are done. What you may not know is that any x-ray/scan that a hospital takes can be purchased and usually cost about 600 yen each. Will be going back for my copies soon.
The results of the health checkup will be ready in a few weeks which will outline whether I have any major problems and what I should be looking out for.
A checkup like this is going to cost about 20,000 yen.
When was the last time you had a thorough health checkup? (not the ones you perform on your dolphin)
Are checkups provided by schools or workplaces in your region? Never had anything of this sort when I was in the UK or US.
The results of the health checkup will be ready in a few weeks which will outline whether I have any major problems and what I should be looking out for.
A checkup like this is going to cost about 20,000 yen.
When was the last time you had a thorough health checkup? (not the ones you perform on your dolphin)
Are checkups provided by schools or workplaces in your region? Never had anything of this sort when I was in the UK or US.
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Mon 04/16 01:14 comments (28)
Kokoro Kotonoha's personal trainer
I can understand why they need urine samples (too see if your system contains any kind of THC) but poo samples? That's odd and that's never required around here as far as i know.
(ID #197232) Posted on 2008/05/26 14:46
student
To check if the person has any gastrointestinal parasites,
(ID #197268) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:52
I've done it dozens of times. I think I had tapeworm twice, which is not a good thing at all.
(ID #596246) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:51
Most common reason (in the States) I order these for my patients is to check for blood. This would make sense also given Japan's high rate of GI cancers.
(ID #197689) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:24
They are not trying to find any trace of drugs use in the poo, I guess they are looking for blood trace in poo which can be a clue for an intestinal cancer...or piles.
(ID #197723) Posted on 2008/05/27 07:28
Geek Liaison
The also check urine for protein and sugars. High levels of protein can mean kidney problems. High levels of sugar can mean diabetes, and really high level of sugar in urine can cause it to smell like Maple Syrup in which case you have (and I kid you not) Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD), or Branched-chain Ketoaciduria.
(ID #596283) Posted on 2009/05/08 16:24
JR. College Student
The schools do some basic hearing and sight tests at an early age. Besides that any check-ups with a doctor are all your own doing. I'm still covered under my parents so all I have to do is make an appointment and show up with 10 bucks(copay).
(ID #197235) Posted on 2008/05/26 14:49
I don't think I would get a sample of my poo for any kind of test, they'll have to grab it after I walk out of the bathroom. Plaster Poo, why does that sound funny to me?
(ID #197237) Posted on 2008/05/26 14:52
university film student
...Wow. Poo a and barium tests? >< Your checkup sounds so much more thorough than the ones here. Danny, now that you're self-employed, did you pay for this on your own?
(ID #197241) Posted on 2008/05/26 14:54
Online Shop
This reminds me of my days in elementary school in Korea. Each year, they would ask me to bring some sample of poo to see if you are free from parasites and such. One year, I could not take a dump for the life of me(I usually took a dump every 3-4 days back in that time) and my family were renting a part of the house that time. The owner of the house had little kids so I sneaked in and somehow managed to grab their poos with some wooden chopstick and submitted as my own -_- I was afraid at the time if I would get caught but I guess as long as you have healthy poo, they can't tell whether it's from different people or not ^^; That picture of Danny smiling on the mirror above makes me think it's like a stiff smile. Like Danny is actually scared before the check up lol.
(ID #197244) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:00
Dog of the Country
i had my last year...it was a checkup before I got into the army. And it was about the same as yours. Eye check, ear check, and of cos, dolphin check =D by a male doctor..T_T and oh, cool wallet u have. wan the pass too
(ID #197249) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:10
Otaku / Student in Computer Science
>_<;;
(ID #597551) Posted on 2009/05/09 11:20
Software Quality Engineer
I am amazed at how thorough this test is! I have had thorough check-ups many times here in the states and none of them have included checking my peanut-- Oh, I mean poo or stomach. I do have yearly check-ups that are provided by my employer, but my company is considered to be *very* generous with benefits; it's quite uncommon. There are no doctors present during these-- only nurses and 'technicians' of some sort. Health examinations are really expensive here in the U.S.; people with no insurance probably can't afford them. I had much better and more affordable care when I was living in England.
(ID #197252) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:12
The last time I had a thorough check up was one year ago. I had a 2 week hospital stay because of complications from an Appendectomy. I had every test under sun done, which couldn't explain my very abnormal heart rate and difficulty breathing. Checkups in the states are usually up to the responsibility of the individual. Schools and Employers only send you to the doctor if they want a drug test. BTW that self pic in the mirror had me laughing for a bit. I dunno why but it strikes me funny.
(ID #197260) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:31
Engineering research
I believe I'll strongly object to any 'peanut butter' in the fridge... *retch*
(ID #197261) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:32
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
People shouldn't put peanut butter in the fridge anyway...
(ID #197396) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:09
With homemade peanut butter you have to. Heh.
(ID #596208) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:22
Web App. Dev.
I did exactly the same health check up two times...Barium is terrible (and the first time I thought they were talking about Valium!!!)...It's really painful few hours after. And the hospital where I did it, looks very like a SF movie one...Felt in 2001 Space Odissey!...(but still it hurt...)
(ID #197264) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:39
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
They get poo samples in Brazil too, but only if there's some suspicion of vermins or something. It's been a long time since my last check-up... more than a year... and last time I didn't even go back to the doctor for him to analyze my blood sample. Only thing I know is that my cholesterol level was a little high. But no such things are nice kits such as that one Danny... when they ask for poo and piss samples, they give you 2 small lidded cups and you have to deal with them. Gah.
(ID #197265) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:40
software manager
this barium thing sounds worse every time i read about it, blegh -_-;;
(ID #197267) Posted on 2008/05/26 15:44
Scientist, unemployed.
Barium isn't that bad. Now, radioactive iodine...
(ID #197740) Posted on 2008/05/27 08:11
Unemployed Digital Production Artist
White poo?
(ID #197276) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:13
i didn't experienced the barium during my health check (at least 2 times) but other great stuff like rectal fingering by an old doctor who I expect was a former sailor looking at his hand @___@ surely the most horrible moment of my life. The great point is during both check there was really cute nurse all arround ^^
(ID #197278) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:21
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
Adn they were all laughing at you as you had the old doc's finger stuck up your arse :P
(ID #197397) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:11
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
oh my gawd white poo? o_o; and the poo sample experience Oh my, I don't envy you XP! Funny mug shot in the mirror LOL
(ID #197285) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:26
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
>>Next time you eat peanuts please think of this. AAAAAAAAAUGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
(ID #197296) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:40
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
LOL at first glance I thought the article would be concerning dolphins... But I was wrong, instead it was about urine, poo and other stuff that dolphins wouldn't enjoy... I find the barium thing interesting, I've never heard of it before... LOL white poo, were you alarmed when you first saw it Danny? If I didn't know about barium effects I'd probably go haywire, spmething like this... " Aaargh! I thought only your hair go white when you get old?! Why is my poo white too?!" Yea... My imagination is wild...
(ID #197300) Posted on 2008/05/26 16:44
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
Here in germany they don't make regular or irregular checkups. The only thing you have to do is when you are starting your job career (i.e. when you are done with school and start an apprenticeship) you'll have to do a checkup with your doctor who makes a few tests with you to see if everything is fine with you and if you can do any job there is or if you don'tA at the company where I work they will do an own checkup too (they have a fully outfitted hospital there. There is almost nothing they can't do there) with testing your ears with those headphones (I always get good results), giving away urine samples for drug testing, eye sight, height, body weight and stamina (make a few situps and the doctor checks your heart). The last time I had to make a check was during my medical examination for my 9 months of military service where they decide what kind of jobs you can do there. Pretty standart stuff: stamina, weight, body height, pulse, eye sight, ears, urine sample (funny thing, I didn't have to do it. Said I can't pee on command so the nice lady who overlooked that part of the test said that she'll drop it). And then there is a psychological test where they test your basic knowledge in math and physiks as well as your ability to react, your ability to remember things and your sense of logic. And if you have som kind of disease or something like that they'll take that into account too. If you would volunteer as a soldier you'll have much more tests though. In the end they said that I can do almost anything (degree of fitness 2), except for pioneer service, tank driver (both because of my knnes) and paratrooper (because of my glasses, I suppose).
(ID #197327) Posted on 2008/05/26 17:17
What a coincidence! I missed my scheduled check-up a fortnight ago, and my re-booked one is for this coming Wednesday. They usually consist of a small blood test to see if you have any of the right colour, shove a tube in your mouth and breathe through it to check that your not a vampire, and a blood pressure check to see if the nurses cleavage gives the desired effect. If you can do all this and walk out under your own power, they can confirm that you are human and are capable of earning mega-profit for your company.
(ID #197363) Posted on 2008/05/26 19:21
"I hand in my shit" rofl....help....can't breath....rofl
(ID #197366) Posted on 2008/05/26 19:29
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
All your shit are belong to us :P
(ID #197546) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:05
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
thank you danny. i'll never look at peanut butter the same way again. ever.
(ID #197370) Posted on 2008/05/26 19:37
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
Why is that? "eats his peanut butter sandwich"
(ID #197389) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:01
no wonder they have problems with stomach/intestinal cancer. They drink barium. Honestly I would reject drinking anything like that. It's possible to get the same images based on stuff that will not turn solid and they aren't toxic either. The problem is that they are radioactive instead. The question is how many will be sick based on the tests compared to how many diseases the tests will find compared to how many cases of diseases less invasive tests will miss.
(ID #197378) Posted on 2008/05/26 20:27
IT Manager
o_O white poo !! I just had my health check last month in Shinjuku. I didn't have the Barium check though.
(ID #197380) Posted on 2008/05/26 20:36
Illustrator & Designer
Danny, Danny, Danny... First, I'm going to hope that your next "Week In Tokyo" photos don't play as an addendum to this article. Second, yes I agree, The Island is a great film and was hugely underrated when it was first released at the cinemas. Third, barium sounds nasty. I guess this is where they might have got the term, "sh!++ing bricks"! Fourth, I hope your test results all goes well for you. Fifth, thanks for sharing.
(ID #197383) Posted on 2008/05/26 20:52
Ahaha! Been a while you didn't talk about pee-poo and you return back to it is quite the fanfare! No thank you for the poo jokes. I'm glad I have eaten super light breakfast already and that I tend to browse pages without being alarmed easily. Otherwise I don't know what would have happened to me, the bed, the floor, etc., etc. what is that crazy picture of you facing the mirror? *grins in turn* And yes, you forgot to mention that Barium is a radioactive periodical element used for detecting and tracing cancers. So how does it tste? Metallic? *laughs*
(ID #197402) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:23
very interesting article...wat bout dental care? hah
(ID #197404) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:26
Btw, poo winter/snow mode. Good for X-Mas and New Year. Bwahaha. (I hope I'll never live this)
(ID #197406) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:28
there definately wasnt any need of explaining what shit looks like thats just too much explanation DANNY :S
(ID #197415) Posted on 2008/05/26 21:48
Poo is universal. I don't mind your talking about it. White poo? You can be a bird for a day. Awesome! The thing that limits me from getting healthcare is my own values. In a world where everything gives you cancer, it's low priority unless my budget increases.
(ID #197442) Posted on 2008/05/26 23:02
You can be a bird for three days rather than one, according to Danny. ^^;
(ID #197453) Posted on 2008/05/26 23:38
sh schary
(ID #197419) Posted on 2008/05/26 22:00
Is it just me or does the toilets looks like pram? Haven't gone to any health checkup for years, though I'm only 21 this year, gonna have to wait at least 9 more years before going on a regular.
(ID #197428) Posted on 2008/05/26 22:18
Just found out on wiki that it is barium sulfate you are referring to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barium_sulfate If it was pure Barium, it would just blow up in your stomach since its super reactive o.O
(ID #197430) Posted on 2008/05/26 22:21
Dyslexic Social Studies student, struggling gundam modeler and gamer
LOLZ! This is the best combination of fun and information ever! Danny looks very nervous in his pic! Wahaha!
(ID #197467) Posted on 2008/05/26 23:55
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
We just had checkups in school, but I haven't had any at work. Although they do exist at larger companies. My father has them sometimes.
(ID #197471) Posted on 2008/05/26 23:59
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
I've had a barium test before. It was while I was being tested to see if I had chrons. It was strange and chalky tasting... with a little sharp lemon taste too. Then they gave me something fizzy afterwards to wash it down. They didnt put me on a rotating table though.... British hospitals are so cheap lol Sounds like you get really extensive health check ups with Amazon. I can't imagine many British companies do that...
(ID #197472) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:03
~Undine~
Here, when in school youths have a general health checkup every 2 years. Once you start working it depends on the type of work you do and your age. For standard office work with computers you usually have an eye test every 5 years. Always been pretty useless for me since I know my eyes are bad and I wear glasses (want to get corrective surgery though, tired of wearing glasses). Though once you reach 30 it is a good idea to have a regular checkup, as it's too late to shut the stable door when horse is gone... or is that too late to flush when the poo is gone?
(ID #197473) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:04
I don't think that I would drink Barium, that does not sound safe !!
(ID #197487) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:25
I think this is the oddest entry I've ever read at DannyChoo. Seriously.
(ID #197495) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:39
Student and full-time otaku
Hope I never have to use the Barium, that sounded nasty. Thankfully my health is quite alright, but you can get checked up easily here if you want to and companies probably provide some too. But in case you want to arrange one yourself just out of security/curiosity, you might have trouble getting past your GP, who doesn't tend to send you to a hospital untill your arm is dangling off....
(ID #197497) Posted on 2008/05/27 00:43
McMaster Engineering Level I
LOL! Love how you literally used the term "handing in your shit" XD!
(ID #197521) Posted on 2008/05/27 01:21
littledoll (Registered on 2008/03/21 03:00)
I'm lucky enough to live somewhere where health care is free and don't have to worry about it, so I totally take advantage of it and get a physical every year. Despite only being 20, you never know what can happen and prevention is the best medicine there is imho! But I've never had that high-pitched sound test or poo test or barium, but then again I'm young so probably I don't need them. But I combine my physical with my girl-specific tests so it's still super unpleasant. X_X
(ID #197524) Posted on 2008/05/27 01:24
Lowly worker
Heatlh care in my area is pretty expensive. ;^^ Oh, but it was cool to see Powered Natsumi in that first pic! ^_^
(ID #197542) Posted on 2008/05/27 01:56
Geek Liaison
Hey Danny your lucky you only had to swallow the barium for the Upper GI. For the Lower GI the barium comes in the back door.
(ID #197547) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:07
So where do they store all the poo!? In The Shit Bank...... Dang all those crazy test and cot alot too....
(ID #197553) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:19
Full-time student へへ
ooo.. didn't know that they need poo too. going to be really tough if you have constipation ^^.
(ID #197562) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:29
Never going to get a check in Japan, NEVER!
(ID #197564) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:31
.NET/Web Developer
Pee and Poo are quite normal with thorough checkups these days. But I've never tried drinking Barium. Both my parents are doctors so I've tried both pee and poo tests and etc when I was still small. That's one of the perks when you got a doctor in the family. Checkups are not so much of a hassle since you can do it right at home. ^^ And no fees too.
(ID #197566) Posted on 2008/05/27 02:34
Pee and poo, while it sounds weird it is a necessity to check if you have... well, weird stuff in it. Had to do it once (pee) and never had to do it again ^^
(ID #197585) Posted on 2008/05/27 03:26
オタク all day long
When I read the title, I thought I gonna see another kind of "health care", LOL. Anyway, the health care system is really good in my region. We can get any FREE health test anytime you want. You just need to tell your family doctor that you want to do that and that's it. I love Canada. =]
(ID #197600) Posted on 2008/05/27 03:45
study
i did that 3 time when i was lito but not anymore now
(ID #197683) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:18
Student Engineer
Nearly all of it sounds very familiar- except the Barium thing- that was interesting! I have passed the sound test before perfectly (it doesn't mean anything if you get every one or not) and I have also passed an eye exam by my optometrist perfectly (it was a cusp-like test or something where I had to click a button if I saw these really hard-to-see yellow dots. Generally when I go in for a checkup checkup, they will get my height, weight, sometimes, depending on the practice sound and eye test, check your reflexes (hitting my reflex points are FUN!!), check your breathing, heart rate, etc, and if it is a physical, they... aherm... need to check for hernias... but usually if the doc is tired near the end of the day he will tell you to "give yourself a self examination and contact me if you find something" and hands you instructions if necessary. You may or may not then get vaccinations. In my case... every 6 months I have to visit the vampire down the road and have 4-5 biles taken because I have hypothyroidism. I'm doing pretty good with it right now and I am leading a happy, normal life. I just hate it when they switch around medications- that means 3-4 trips to the vampire within two weeks x_x. Health care is generally good for me because of the family's insurance policy. I take the time during appointments to talk to my doctor about life and any problems that I have, such as diet advice and the like. I will talk to him about life regarding depression, etc and he really is a nice guy and to the point. Going to the doctor is always good- I think health checkups are very important. You feel weird the first couple of times if you think your problems are "unique", then the doctor says "I have had to treat and see people much odder on a different sca;e than yourself".
(ID #197692) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:29
Man, this article is one of the funiest I have ever read. Will save it :D
(ID #197703) Posted on 2008/05/27 06:41
LOL! Another adventure from Danny... Yes, I've had to get some poo to the hospital too when I had terrible stomach aches and they had to check if I had something. Ah man this made me laugh.
(ID #197713) Posted on 2008/05/27 07:02
Health care is free here (paid for by taxes), so I believe you can just go get a checkup whenever. I personally don't go for checkups and most people I know don't. Then again, I'm fairly young.
(ID #197752) Posted on 2008/05/27 08:31
"Japan has a high rate of stomach/intestinal cancer" umm...must be the sashimi and other raw stuff >_>
(ID #197769) Posted on 2008/05/27 08:51
Don't think I want to live and work in Japan now after reading about all these tests ^^;;
(ID #197791) Posted on 2008/05/27 09:10
Great article, I laughed the whole time reading it. tho i would be worried if they found something wrong or inconclusive, had that happen to me. they re~ran some samples for a job interview(pee in the cup please) type. turns out i was fine I hope..haha.. btw love the figure in the first picture who is it,? would like to get me one:)
(ID #197902) Posted on 2008/05/27 12:47
except the Hearing and Barium tests, all other tests are mandatory here while joining a new company. Its become the norm here actually. I remember giving these tests every year in school too. so kindof used to these tests ^-^
(ID #197903) Posted on 2008/05/27 12:48
Over here we get our "jewels" grabbed while we were told to cough. Supposed to test for hernia or something. I personally never got this test before but a few of my friends have endured this before. Pretty embarassing thinking about it.
(ID #198041) Posted on 2008/05/27 16:53
Publishing
My company requires that I have a health-check once a year, though being under 35 I have yet to take the barium mixture. Seeing so many salarymen wandering from room to room in nighties was a surreal experience to say the least. I expected the eye test to be a simple read-from-the-chart affair, but ended up having to stare down a big Virtuality-like contraption and tell the nurse the position of the gap in increasingly smaller "C" shapes. I think the nurse just kept saying "hai" without even checking to see if it was right or not!
(ID #198169) Posted on 2008/05/27 22:37
Polytechnic Senior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer, Pokemon Indexer.
I was having a nice long sip of my honey drink when I got to the poo part >_< Especially the picture of it on the paper stick...
(ID #198227) Posted on 2008/05/28 00:24
Student/ANBU
Dai Ben; not to be confused with the Big Ben in London ...
(ID #198513) Posted on 2008/05/28 07:25
I'd hate to be named Ben in Japan.
(ID #198724) Posted on 2008/05/28 11:28
We have free health care in Canada, so you can go for a full physical whenever really. Most people start going every year after 35 or so, but younger people might only do them every 3 years or so.
(ID #200322) Posted on 2008/05/30 09:09
just some quick hints about urine testing: best not to give it right after waking up (all the bad stuff concentrates while sleeping), THC stays in the urine for two-four weeks for occasional marijuana smokers, months for chronic smokers, and tobacco stays in urine for two-six days. For those who try to steal a healthy person's urine, the physician has to check the temperature of the urine, so good luck there~
(ID #212109) Posted on 2008/06/13 15:28
cscentrl (Registered on 2008/06/26 15:42)
Japan's health care system is definitely better than the USA's.
(ID #313052) Posted on 2008/09/25 15:26
I hate doctors already now I have a feeling when I move to japan I'm just going to hate the doctor visit even more -__-
(ID #341992) Posted on 2008/10/22 06:54
Programmer Trainee
Wow. That's thorough and painful. I'm still in school so every year we have a physical checkup. They check height, weight, eyesight, blood pressure, dentals, and uh...if you're a girl they check for breast cancer. I forgot what happens if it's a guy. We also have to take an X-ray of our chest. To check if our lungs are normal I think. The barium thing bugs me. And the poo tests. I'm constipated so..yeah
(ID #351086) Posted on 2008/10/30 02:39
To much info on you Poo problem... As for what they check the guys for its probably for Testicular torsion or some other problem within some other area in the body.
(ID #596231) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:35
Whaah? A checkup with a freakin' X ray is about $200!? You're kidding. If you were to get the checkup you just had here, without insurance, it'd probably be 1.5 times that easily, possibly even twice that.
(ID #351178) Posted on 2008/10/30 04:17
traditional artist
I enjoy learning about health care in other parts around the world. You always come across some rather interesting things. I've always wondered what going to the dentists is like in Japan lol. Guys complain about hernia checks (turn your head, and cough) but women have it worse when it comes to PAP smears > A <
(ID #407159) Posted on 2008/12/11 11:04
I didn't complain all about this, sorry I'm not so skilled in English :P The health care in Italy is(fortunately) provided by the state. When I was at secondary school(about 4 years ago) there was only an optional exam of eyesight.
(ID #448334) Posted on 2009/01/15 07:28
not here, I LOLed a couple of times :P
(ID #473309) Posted on 2009/02/04 02:19
Wow, your employer did all that for you? My company barely provides health insurance. That's only if you can afford to pay for it, of course. Horay for the American health care system *rolls eyes, vomits a little*
(ID #501581) Posted on 2009/02/25 15:27
Agent
Poo is poo. Everyone has poop. Whatever it takes to examine the condition of your health for your own benefit, right? I think it's interesting how their system is not the same as ours in the states.
(ID #559354) Posted on 2009/04/12 09:38
Checkups are provided by school here in Hong Kong for students are free. I know this because am a student myself here. We have the checkups annually usually during the summer vacation.
(ID #560317) Posted on 2009/04/13 02:51
Which reminds me to take this years checkup because I'd missed the checkups last two years XD
(ID #560319) Posted on 2009/04/13 02:52
I find it funny that Danny took a picture of yourself before getting a check up. It would be funny if the staff came in at that time.
(ID #596155) Posted on 2009/05/08 14:56
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
for a moment I was confused, I read "Unko Kusai!" as "Unko Kudasai!" ^^;
(ID #596179) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:11
freeloader
Danny, this was way too much educational. I just had breakfast. But thank you the same. In Italy, checkups usually are taken when your start a new job. Usually meaning almost never, since labs are private and companies don't want to waste money on their employees' health. Unless you're already suffering from some disease.
(ID #596180) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:11
If you were here in the States, chances are my company would have processed your samples as we're one of the largest diagnostics laboratories in the country.
(ID #596183) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:12
Apparently Canada doesn't believe in preventative checkups which is why I can only get them when returning east D:
(ID #596205) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:20
Wow, that check up is really thorough. I haven't had anything like that, but then again, i'm only 19 so I might not need it yet. I have gotten all my necessary shots tho.
(ID #596230) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:34
Webdev, internet contents, music
I love getting naked every time I'm left alone in a room at a hospital. "I thought that if you left me alone it was for me to get naked!"
(ID #596243) Posted on 2009/05/08 15:49
Wow. Interesting. That's a thorough checkup. Especially the barium. I've never really seen that used here unless there is a suspicion of a condition or something in the medical/family history might warrant it. But better safe than sorry if it's common in the Japanese population. Barium is terrible getting down, but it really isn't harmful to you in the quantities used for tests unless you refuse to keep hydrated afterwards or there is a medical reason, in which case a doctor would hopefully never order the test (drinks lots, get it out of your system, possibly with a medicine to help you, although that isn't done everywhere). It's used a lot in hospitals for swallow studies (in cases of probable aspiration risk, etc.) and otherwise. It's really just the texture and taste one must get past. And yes, it will color your feces usually. And yeah, the vast majority of poo testing is usually just for blood here...rarely parasites as mentioned before. All of my checkups were required by whatever school I was in at the time and weren't nearly that detailed. Afterwards, I suppose it depends on your employer, although I was never required to have one for a job (just mandatory drug testing). Preventative care in the US is sorely lacking, which ends up creating much worse problems down the road which could have been prevented or at least lessened in severity. Mostly due to our healthcare system and the insurance situation here I suppose. Some of the medicines and tests in the hospital...you don't even want to know what these things cost here (although most probably have an idea). I've seen a single pill...just one...cost hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And tests? Thousands for one. Not to mention room and board. So basically, no insurance = you're in trouble if you get seriously ill. And if you have a pre-existing condition and need to get private insurance, good luck finding it at all or for a reasonable rate. But I suppose this isn't news for anyone who lives here. That's enough from me. But here's hoping you have a perfectly clean bill of health!
(ID #596266) Posted on 2009/05/08 16:13
Firstly ~ Danny, I hope all goes well with your check up results and that its a clean bill! (^.^) For me... I have regular tests done every 6 months...and I usually go to the VA ~ (Veterans Hospital)~ when I do. I (always) have the standard blood tests performed and any additions that I feel need to be done. My doctor(s) are pretty keen that I wish and requests such tests and having worked in the medical field in the early 80's helps allot ion what needs to be looked after. and now ... since I am in a wheelchair... allot more - *HAS TO* - be taken into account, so, I request the tests that are usually not asked for in addition to the standard tests that I get every 6 months. However, I am approaching that (age) where a certain test is needed to be done, that I dread, even though its good to have it performed, ~ and that's the colonoscopy... At age 50, I will have it performed, and that's 2 years away, and of course *if* it needs to be done earlier, it will be. I had a complete series of tests (to include) the barium... yea, its uncomfortable, but at least your cleaned out afterwards. (^.^) Respects!
(ID #596308) Posted on 2009/05/08 16:42
Checking peanut butter o_0, that definitely makes me lose my appetite ~__~
(ID #596309) Posted on 2009/05/08 16:43
Belgarion (Registered on 2009/04/07 03:21)
I just noticed this article now ^^; Its amuzing how that man turned to you, but not the canal for the smell of poo ^^; Otherwise, it seems you had fun putting your shit and pee in a bag, so you might call it a productive day..........................................
(ID #596375) Posted on 2009/05/08 17:28
Clone Instrument Engineer; Seleção XXV
wish I can try this kind of check-ups in Brunei, btw I always go to eye clinic once every 3 months and very seldom do the check-ups XD
(ID #596421) Posted on 2009/05/08 18:09
Heh, I heard something similar to this when Cheapyd explained how he went for a check up. It must be hard to hold in the burp while sliding on the rotating board.
(ID #596464) Posted on 2009/05/08 18:42
NEET (Desktop Support / Admin)
Did you wash your hands afterwards? lol
(ID #596570) Posted on 2009/05/08 20:57
Pianist / Tenor / Composer
"Just make sure your other family members don't unconsciously mistake your poo for peanut butter and spread it on their toast." I hate a certain family member....and ..you...have just given me the perfect idea thank you danny :)
(ID #596584) Posted on 2009/05/08 21:07
im not sure if i should be intellectual about all this or disgusted..........but i still love japan,freaky stuff and all
(ID #596589) Posted on 2009/05/08 21:22
Mahasiswa yang terdampar di Singapura.
Wot, I'm sure I've read this before as an older post...@__@ Are you bumping up your own article, Danny??
(ID #596627) Posted on 2009/05/08 22:07
Otaku, Gamer, Collector, Forum Moderator
^^; So this is what your twitter message was about hahaha I've had to do a poo sample before ^^; It was terrible! The container they give in Toronto you have to get it into the container instead of poking it with a plastic stick.
(ID #596702) Posted on 2009/05/08 22:53
Initially, I liked eating peanut butter sandwich. However, after reading this article, somehow I seemed to be subconsciously checking the ingredients label on my jar of peanut butter and made sure that it smells right? -_-
(ID #596753) Posted on 2009/05/08 23:19
The Island is quite possibly the best movie the have out there, I loved it too <333 I love the bag o poo with a tiny Mikuru on the side XD
(ID #596771) Posted on 2009/05/08 23:34
Medical student
I wish there was video of the barium and spinning table tests. That is definitely not how they do it in the U.S., would love to see a video! =D CheapyD from cheapassgamer.com also had a health check-up recently and talked about the barium test. Sounds hilarious ^^
(ID #596794) Posted on 2009/05/08 23:54
Otaku, CNS / IT student
I haven't gone to the doctor for a checkup or for any reason in over 12 years.
(ID #596802) Posted on 2009/05/09 00:01
Student/Wrapper
Drinking a glass of barium and then going on a rotating bed sounds awesome. Did you ever have green poo? For some reason, the poo in the instruction guide reminded me of tamarind, rather than peanuts though. Scrapping poo sucks as well, especially when you just bought new shoes. -_-
(ID #596828) Posted on 2009/05/09 00:17
Delicious article, that's for sure.
(ID #596844) Posted on 2009/05/09 00:24
pee and poo in refrigerator... i wonder whether there's any smell in the refrigerator?
(ID #596904) Posted on 2009/05/09 00:58
Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
I have a private health care program, so they provide the check up. But in public health care I'm not quite sure if they do.
(ID #596949) Posted on 2009/05/09 01:20
SOS Brigade Leader
This is the most disgusting post that Danny has ever posted before . I can't even imagine a white poo .
(ID #596952) Posted on 2009/05/09 01:22
Student, Performer
Wow.... Never knew that was such medical checkup....
(ID #597070) Posted on 2009/05/09 02:56
What a thorough Check up...Makes me think of having a complete check up as well. I think i should.
(ID #597154) Posted on 2009/05/09 04:02
I once got parasites from eating too much kaiten-zushi. So I was told that's common in Japan so that explains them taking the Scheiße sample. Somehow this reminds me of an incident with an electronic dictionary... someone tried to look up "pissed off" but the closest match was "piss pot" translated as 溲瓶 (shibin). The word obviously got plenty of airtime for the rest of the term. (<--North American exchange students at a 有名校 ^^;)
(ID #597158) Posted on 2009/05/09 04:03
Viola, metallic poo. Did you poke the barium-ed poo to check if it's hard?
(ID #597174) Posted on 2009/05/09 04:18
Don't have health checks like that. Especially not the poo thing lol, they usually take samples like urine and poo only if there is something wrong to find out the problem. Not doing it at home, bringing it along to check for problems.
(ID #597230) Posted on 2009/05/09 04:54
hahahahha omg hahahaha
(ID #597343) Posted on 2009/05/09 06:57
Student, health worker
Even though all this medical stuff is sort of normal for people in my family, I laughed heartily while reading this. You write so honestly/unabashedly! Barium sounds very interesting, indeed... I work for my county, so they provide minimal healthcare for me, if I chose their program. Not so keen on what they would provide, though, so I have my own.
(ID #597413) Posted on 2009/05/09 08:16
Very.... detailed news. ^^" Yes, I do regulary health checks, like once every 6 months. I dont eat like normal people, so I often lack minerals/vitamins/proteins and lalalala, and to check my sugar level because Im dead scared of getting diabetes because I love chocolate and sweets too much! I`m a sugar-level abuser, with my bad food diet... And then there is my ulcer (gotta love stress) so got a busy schedule when I`m on a check-up.
(ID #597436) Posted on 2009/05/09 08:58
Last time I went to the doctor was when I was 17, I had the Chickenpox. According to the doctor I needed lots of rest because I had a severe case of the chickenpox and could get so ill I could die, which apparently is common when and adult gets chickenpox. 16 hours and 2 baths in baking soda and they were all dry. I got 2 weeks off from school thanks to me getting chickenpox one week before spring break. Before that, the last time I visited the doctor was when I was 10. All this reminds me that I'm supposed to go get a physical at age 20, I'll be 21 October so I'm over a year late for that.
(ID #597499) Posted on 2009/05/09 10:35
Oxygen Consumer
This reminds me of the Pre-enlistment tests they do on you, 1 year before they throw you into National Service in Singapore. That aside, health care in Japan seems so developed. No wonder people there have such high life expectancies. Do the less urban areas have such advanced medical facilities too?
(ID #597606) Posted on 2009/05/09 12:17
I have not seen a doctor in about twenty years, besides a brief check up ten years ago for immigration, and a recent mishap requiring a trip to emergency. I keep avoiding them even though I know I should go every year. I will probably pay for it someday.
(ID #597657) Posted on 2009/05/09 13:20
mmm yummm
(ID #597698) Posted on 2009/05/09 14:12
Student of Computer Info. & Office Sys.
Never have I read so much about poo before. Pretty sure its not a good thing XD
(ID #598000) Posted on 2009/05/09 21:32
i understand with the urine test but with the poo i think that is just going overboard.
(ID #598392) Posted on 2009/05/10 03:16
College Student / Dental Office Grunt
lol @ the health checkup kit terming the fecal matter as "poopie". I had to call my doctor a couple days ago to get a copy of my vaccinations and shots becuase of the new work I'll be doing at my dentist's office and found out I haven't been for a check up in 2 years. ._o Maybe I should go.
(ID #598454) Posted on 2009/05/10 04:21
Ahh the joys of poo! Makes ya want to have your very own Mr. Hanky! Seriously.. They can tell a lot from your poo.. its rather frightening.. but, the whole please sample your poo and bring with you.. Yeah that sucks I get checked up when I manage to convince myself to go to the doctor.. hate doctors so I don't go enough. About all I can say on that.
(ID #598585) Posted on 2009/05/10 07:35
I had my last full check up over 5 years ago. It was to see if I am fitted for army or not. Every guy in Germany has to do it before he turns 18. Hear, sight, dolphin, joints, weight, height and so on. But think of doing a check up in the near future. I think one should know his health condition. And regarding the poo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1dXxTNses
(ID #598717) Posted on 2009/05/10 10:08
haven't done a health check up in ages, motive it is too expensive!! i know i might be overreacting but i still don't have that much money to begin with >.<. Been quite healthy since i've been exercising for about 2 years ^^
(ID #598859) Posted on 2009/05/10 11:59
Racer's Dream in In Circuito di Fiorano with an FW20 driven by Heinz-Harold Fretzen (Registered on 2009/01/27 11:40)
90's F1 Afficionate
AY FO!!!!!!!!
(ID #654987) Posted on 2009/06/24 11:15
Fandubbing Teenager
Wow, that's interesting. They do a lot of tests don't they? O__o I wonder what kind of tests they have for women...
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